People who work hard often think that they will be able to continue to do so until they’re ready to retire. For some, that dream is cut short by an injury. Back injuries are one of these, and they’re one of the common reasons why people opt to seek Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
While it’s normal for hardworking men and women to have some back pain, there comes a point where that pain can limit mobility. If you’re facing debilitating back pain that makes it impossible to move, lift or bend, you may notice that it’s affecting your job duties. Once it’s severe enough that it prevents you from working, you may opt to file for SSDI.
When does a back injury become disabling?
To qualify for SSDI, a back injury must be severe enough to prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months. Common disabling conditions include:
- Herniated discs can cause chronic pain, numbness and weakness in the legs or arms.
- Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve compression, severe pain and difficulty walking.
- Degenerative disc disease is a progressive condition that can cause persistent pain and reduced flexibility.
- Spondylolisthesis is a condition where a vertebra slips out of place, often leading to nerve damage and limited mobility.
- Failed back surgery syndrome occurs when surgical intervention doesn’t alleviate pain or worsens the condition.
The process for filing for SSDI can be lengthy, so you must be prepared for this possibility. It’s imperative that you file a comprehensive application, so working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial.